Question

Why H3PO3 has only 2 -OH bonds and not 3? Both of the states have 0 formal charges on each atoms

Answer 1

One of the Oxy double bonds because it is a more complete valence

Answer 2

I should say this. Generally it is written as \(\sf HPO(OH)_2\) because the structure you are talking about is a tautomer \(\sf P(OH)_3\) they are in a minor equilibrium, which is to say it will shift around but with preference to the structure in the image i attached

Answer 3

Thanks agreene. Are you a college senior ?

Answer 4

I'm a PhD student in Computation Biology